Character recording mechanism



Feb. 4, 1941- T. E. TORKELSON CHARACTER RECORDING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 5, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 WZM INVENTOR ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1941.

T. E. TORKELSON CHARACTER RECORDING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 3, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inl J INVE NT0R ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1941. T. E. TORKELSON CHARACTER RECORDING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 5, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Mam Vs mN hm z. M II E. w Wwwfi mmm .1 I \h 0 mdE hum J INVENTOR ma ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1941. -r. E. TORKELSON CHARACTER RECORDING mscrmm'sm Filed Aug'. 3, 1938 WWI] 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Mam INVENTOR W ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1941. T. E. TORKELSON CHARACTER RECORDING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 3, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Mam I NVENTOR ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1941; T. E. TORKELSON CHARACTER RECORDING MECHANISM 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Aug. 3, 1938 Maw VINVENTOR ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1941.

T. E. TORKELSON CHARACTER RECORDING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 3, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1941- T. E. TORKELSON CHARACTER RECORDING MECHAN ISM 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Aug. 3. 1938 n -Emm M 4 3 auml/lllfl wt 2 m. m F55 I I i i ll "III-1H llllllI W "/IiIW INVENTOR M ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 4, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Torkel E. Torkelson, Baldwin, N. Y., assignor to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application August 3, 1938, Serial No. 222,852

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to character selecting and recording mechanisms, and one'oi the objects thereof resides in the provision of a start-stop type of printing means controlled by code signals which employs a simplified form of character selecting means for determining the type wheel stopping position.

In the instant application, the character recording device comprises a character type wheel actuated aperiodically by a continuously rotating shaft each time a character selection function is efiectedby the device. The selector mechanism is controlled by a. plurality of control solenoids cooperating with individually pivoted control stop bars arranged in an annular frame which in turn is suitably mounted for a limited rotative movement. The number of stop bars provided in the annular group is less than the number of angular printing positions provided for the type wheel which is disposed concentrically with the annular group of stop bars.

The annular group of stop bars is arranged to be positioned rotatively predetermined angular distances to effect selection of certain predetermined groups of characters disposed on the type wheel. This zoning procedure is accomplished by a plurality of control solenoids cooperatively associated with the annular group of stop bars and adapted to impart differential rotative movements to the group of stop bars thereby selecting diiferent predetermined groups of characters from the entire group of characters disposed on the type wheel. Individual character selection is eifected from the said predetermined group of characters by selecting one of the pivoted stop bars in the group and positioning the selected bar in the path of a stop arm disposed on the type wheel, thus determining the stopping position thereof.

In order to eliminate unnecessary rotation of the type wheel, provision is made to retain the type wheel in the last stopping position until the positioning of the stop bars in accordance with the next character selection has been effected.

Heretofore, control of the type wheel positioning usually has been controlled solely by mechanical means, whereas, in accordance w h the present invention provision is made to mantain the selected control solenoid energized to retain the associated stop bar in the path of the type wheel stop arm until the next control solenoid selection is eifected to position its associated stop bar in the path of the type wheel stop arm; and simultaneously cause deenergization of the previously energized solenoid thereby releasing the type wheel, thus assuring that the newly selected stop bar is positioned positively into the path of the type wheel stop arm. Additional features of the present invention reside in the provision of means whereby the type wheel upon engaging the selected stop bar positioned in the path of its stop arm displaces the engaged stop bar, slightly, in the direction of rotation thereof, to operate a common group of contacts controlling the energization oi! the 10 printing solenoid. Thus character printing is effected immediately upon positioning of the type wheel, under control of the positioned type wheel through the agency of the selected stop bar. 15

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision 01 a group of stop bars, the number of which is less than the number oi! angular printing positions, controlled by individual electrically .controlled means. 20

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of means whereby the annular group of stop bars can be positioned rotatively to effect character group selection.

Another object is the provision of means to 25 position the annular group of stop bars predetermined and different angular distances.

Still another object is the provision of means whereby the type wheel is retained in the last selected position until the next stopping posi- 30 tion therefor is selected whereupon the type wheel is released by the previously selected stop bar to engage the newly selected stop bar.

Still another object is the provision of electrically controlled means to retain the type 35 wheel in the last stopping position until the subsequent release to the newly selected position.

Still another object is the provision of means whereby the type wheel in the selected stopping position is efiective to initiate character print- 40 ing operations.

Further objects of the instant invention reside in any novel feature of construction or operation or novel combination of parts present in the embodiment of the invention described and 45 shown in the accompanying drawings whether within or without the scope of the appended claims and irrespective of other specific statements as to the scope of the invention contained herein. 50

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a detail of a data control record having coded data representations disposed thereon.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the record sensing unit.

Fig. 3 is a partial side elevation of the sensing 55 Figs. '7 and 8 are detail views showing the record ejecting mechanism.-

Fig. 9 is a circuit diagram of the signal transmitting arrangement.

Fig. 9A is a detail view of the transmitting distributor clutch mechanism.

Fig. 10 is a circuit. diagram of the signal re- 1, ceiving arrangement.

Fig. 11 is a side elevation view of the character recording mechanism.

Fig. 12 is a'sect'ional view ofthe recorder taken along the lines l2l2 of Fig. 11.

Fig.' 12A is a. detail view of a stop bar.

Fig. 13 is a detail section taken along the lines 13-13 of Fig. 12.

Fig.14 is a. detail section taken along thelines 14-44 of Fig. 12.

7 new control record Referring now to Fig. 1, the data. control record generally designated 28 is shown to comprise a well known tabulatingmachine record card of the type quite commonly used in the Hollerith electric tabulating systems. Differentiallypositioned control representations, such as perforations, are used to represent the various data and character designations. The perforations are-differentially positioned in various columnar areas or fields of the record card, and by the differential positioning thereof different data values .are imparted thereto. It is seen that the letters of the alphabet are designated by pairs of control representations or perforations, each perforation of a pair being located in one of the twelve index point positions of a columnar area or field. Commonly, the index point positions .indicated as R and xere referred toin the tabulating systems as the twelve and eleven index point positions respectively. 7

The-character code shown in Fig. l is quite an'arbitrary one and different well known codes which have been used may be employed in the .piesent. recording system. It will be noted by reference to the code i the figure that the alphabet is diveded into three groups. The let-f ters of the' first group A to I are designated by different combinations of a perforation in the R in'dex point: position with perforations in the one to nine index point positions. The letters of the secondgroup J to R aredesignated by perforations inthe X position in combination with perforations inithe'one to nine positions, while the-letters o'fthe-third group S to Z are identified-by combinations of a 0 perforation with perforations ,in the two to nine index point positions. The individual numeral characters 'are represented by a single. perforation inthe corresponding zero to nine index point positions. The record cards may. have as many columnar areas for the reception of the data indications, such 'as the perforations 2|, as may be desired. The description to be set forth hereinbelow relates to mechanism commonly used in tabulating systemsemp oy ngth'e standard eighty column record card;v

the ratchet 34'.

Record sensing unit Record card feeding mechanismPReferring now to Figs. 2 to 4, the record card feeding mechanism shown is similar to the card feeding mechanism disclosed in the U. S. Patent 1,914,263; therefore, the following brief description thereof is deemed suflicient.

' riage pusher 24 and forward guide 25 engage the anism. Pusher 24 and guide 25 are carried by an 'escapement rack 26, and picker knife 23 is carried by a rack bar 21. Rack 26 has a gear 28 meshing with its lower edge. and bar 21 has a gear 23 meshing with its upper edge, both gears being mounted on a cross shaft 30. Due to this connection between the elements, movement of picker 23 toward the left as viewed in Fig. 2 is accompanied by movement to the right of pusher 24, and this action will deliver a card from the bottom of the hopper 22 to the sensing position where the pusher engages it for further advancement under control of the escapement mechanism. A one-way clutch mechanism generally designated at 3| in Fig. 3 permits the immediate return to the left of bar 21 and picker 23.

Shaft 32 is adapted to be rotated by suitable gearing generally designated 33 which in turn is driven by a suitably disposed motor 34. Se-' curedto one end of the shaft 32 is a ratchetshaped clutch element 34. Loosely mounted on the shaft 32 is a gear 35, meshing withteeth on the lower edge of the rack bar 21, and on which gear is mounted a disk 36. Pivotally mounted on the disk 36 is a suitably toothed clutch arm 31, the free end of which is connected to a toggle plate 38 which cooperates with a be'driven in a clockwise direction substantially-a single revolution shifting rack bar 21 to the left to feed acard from the supply hopper. This will result as premised before in the movement of rv'sher 74 o the right to engage the newly fed card. At the termination of the counterclockwise movement of gear 35, a tail of arm 31 will strike the projection 43 secured to a fixed plate to effect disengagement of the clutch arm and, Gear 35 and rack bar 21 are returned to the position indicated in Fig. v3

through a gear 44 connected toa spring barrel not shown. The one-way clutch 3| permits such action without affecting the 'escapement rack 26.

-Also secured to armature 4| is an arm 45, the

freeend of which-is adapted to operate contacts 46 and 41 when the magnet 48 is energized. The contacts are maintained in shifted position by latching bell crank. 48, a ing of which is adapted to be engaged by a bent-up .plate 43,

control magnet 59 is shown suitably disposed so as to cooperate with the associated armature to rock the armature upon energization thereof, the armature 5| is adapted to rock the rod 52 which has secured to one end thereof oppositely extending arms 53 and 54 provided with laterally extending pins adapted for engaging enlarged openings in stepping dog 55 and locking dog 56. When the rod 52 is rocked, arm 53 will through its associated pin lift the stepping dog 55 out of one of the notches in the rack 26 and at the-same time arm 54 will depress locking dog 56 into a notch between the rack teeth. At this time a spring 51 advances the loosely pivoted dog 55 a short distance but sufiicient to permit this dog to move above the top of the next tooth. When the locking dog is again raised, the stepping dog 55 due to the movement of the rack 26 will ride down along the next tooth until it strikes the end thereof when the carriage is thereby arrested. The usual spring drum (not shown) is provided to bias the rack 26 toward the left as viewed in Fig. 5. In Fig. 6 the rack 26 is shown to carry a plate 69 adapted to engage and rock a lever 6| pivoted upon a fixed member of the machine when the last column of the card is in the sensing position. This lever, when so rocked, operates the contacts 62 to 64.

In addition thereto, the raising of the dogs 55 and 56 will rock a member 6511 cooperating with the contacts 66 to operate these contacts each time the escapement mechanism is o erated. In Fig. 4 the card guide 25 is provided with a vertical finger 61 of insulating material which. when the new card is in position to be sensed in the first column, will abut and close contacts 68. A space key 69 shown in Fig. 9 is provided to effect an operation of the escapement mechanism to advance the card one step in the known manner. This mechanism is not shown specifically in the drawings but is shown in detail in the patent referred to hereinabove. The space key operates contacts 19 whenever the said key is depressed.

Record card sensing mechanism.-Referring now to Fig. 5, a perforated card is shown in position between the guide 25 and the pusher element 24 and as just explained is positioned step by step by the carriage 26 to a sensing position. The sensing mechanism at the sensing posit on referred to comprises a series of sensing brushes 1| of which there are thirteen adapted to bear against the insulating conducting bar 12. The brushes are carried by an insulating brush holder 13 secured between a pair of side plates with a yoke or bail shaped member 14. The latter is adapted to be rocked by the toggle mechanism indicated generally at 15 which is shown to cooperate with the armature 16 of the magnet 11. Upon energization of the said magnet, the bailshaped member 14 is elevated resulting in the contact of the individual sensing brushes 1| the common bar 12. Thus, the brushes 1| are out of engagement with the bar except at such times when the said magnet is energized. Twelve of the brushes make contact with the bar through the perforations in the card, and the other is located beyond the lateral edge of the card for a purpose to be understood as the description progresses. Also, upon energization of the magnet 11, the associated armature16'is adapted to cooperatewith the suitably disposed contacts 18 and 19 to operate these contacts each time the said magnet is energized.

Record ejecting mechanism.-Means are provided in the sensing unit for automatically re with p moving the sensed cards and depositing the same in receptacles provided for this purpose. Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, a card gripper mechanism is shown comprising a pair of jaws 89 and 8| urged together by a, suitable spring 82 when the abutment of the pin 83 with the upper jaw 89 is not effective to separate the jaws in order that the punched card-may be received at the slit-like separation. The card occupies a position between the jaws at the termination of the sensing of the last column of the card. The gripper is pivotally mounted on a shaft 84 to which is secured a gear 95 adapted to be driven by a gear 86 through an idler gear. Meshing with the gear 86 is a slidably mounted rack 81, the extremities of which terminate in an adjustable cylindrical plunger 88. During the previous restoration of thecard carriage, the end of rack 21 engages plunger 88 to shift rack 81 to the left against the tension of the spring 89. This causes a clockwise movement of shaft 84 to bring the gripper unit into the position shown in Fig. 7, whereupon a latch lever 99 engages a shoulder 9| of the lower jaw 8|. Shifting of the latch lever 99 is efiected by energization of the magnet 92 which attracts its armature 93 causing a shifting movement of the linkage generally designated 94 and by means of the cam shoulder 95 an arm 96 secured to the pivoted shaft of the latch lever 99 will rock the latter. This results in the release of spring 89 to cause the counterclockwise rotation of the gripper unit. As the jaw 89 leaves pin 83, spring 82 will act to close upon the lower jaw 8|, thus securely gripping the card and flipping the same in a reverse position. A stationary pin 91 may suitably coact with one of the jaws to separate them, permitting the released card to fall into a receptacle 98. As the card is eiected, shifting of rack 81 by spring 89 causes the square shoulder 99 to engage and close contacts I99.

Operation of the record sensing unit.Referring now to Fig. 9, assume that a supply of record carols is disposed in a hopper 22 and that the spacing key 69 is repeatedly depressed until the card carriage is in the last column position. In this position the contacts 63 are adapted to be closed, establishing the following circuit: from one terminal of the power supply by conductor IM to contacts 63, coil of relay H92, space key contacts 19, to the conductor I93 connected to the other terminal of the source of supply, thus energ zing relay I92 to close the associated contacts I94. A circuit is then completed from conductor I9I, contacts 63, coil of relay I92, contacts I94 through the coil of magnet 92, through contacts 18 to the conductor I93 to energize the eject control magnet 92. It should be mentioned that the contacts 18 are closed at this time, since it is remembered that contacts 62 are also operated when the card is in the last column position, thereby preventing the brush magnet 11 from being energized. Upon energization of the ejector magnet 92, the ejecting mechanism is rendered operative but, since no card was assumed to be in the card carriage, ejection of a card is not effected. At the end of the stroke the ejector contacts I99 are adapted to be closed, establishing a circuit via conductor I 9| and contacts 63 through the control magnet 49, coil of relay I96, through the contacts 18 to the conductor I93, to efiect energization of the control magnet 49 and relay I96. Energization of magnet 49 is effective to trip the clutch lever 42 to cause the clutch element 34 to rotate the gear 35. Energization of the magnet 40 is also effective to operate the contacts 40 and 41 closing the contacts 41 to establish a circuit through the card feed motor '34. Thereupon the operation of the said motor and the associated gears is effective tocause the rack 2'! to be displaced to ad vance a card from the hopper and presenting the first column thereof to the sensing position. At the end of the feeding stroke, the contacts 45 and 41 are adapted to be restored to the normal position shown in Fig, 9 causing relay I05 tobe deenergized and permitting the contacts I05 to be closed. Upon displacement of the rack 26 4 the last column position contacts 62 to 54- are restored to the normal positions shown in the flgure. As soon as the card is properly positioned at the sensing brushes and the contacts 46 are again closed, a circuit is established from conductor IOI through the said contacts through the coil of magnet 11, contacts 62, and contacts I05 to the conductor I03 'to energize the brush magnet, thus elevating the brushes II to engage the bar 12 whenever a perforation in the card is sensed. Whenever the contacts 41 are open, the card feed motor 34 is deenergized'and, as long as the card is in a position so that any column other than the last is presented to the sensing position, the relay I00 is also deenergized to permit the associated contacts I05 to be closed. It has been mentioned that contacts are adapted to be closed when th first column of the card is presented to the sensing position. Upon closure of the said contacts, a circuit is established through conductor IOI through the said contacts and through the magnet I01 to conductor I03, energizing the magnet I01, Aholding circuit for the said magnet is established through the associated contacts I0'la now closed and through the contacts 64 to maintain the magnet energized until the last column of the card is sensed. Energi-- zation of the said magnet (see Fig. 9A) effective to control the armature I08 causing the latching lever I09 to release the pawl H0 and disk III. Spring urged pawl H0 is then-permitted to engage a tooth of the ratchet II2 which is secured to the shaft .I I3 which in turn is continuously rotated by the motor II4 (see Fig. 9).

Disk III rotatably mounted on shaft '3 is now caused to rotate with theratchet I I2. An insulated arm II5 fixed to disk III carries interconnected conductingbrushes IIIi which in turn are adapted to engage the individual conducting segments I-I'Ia to H10 and H8 disposed on the commutator H9. .The method of initiating successively controlled impulses will now be explained.

Impulse transmission system In Fig. 9 the contact bar I2 is shown tobe divided into individual conducting segments 12a to 12d, by the insulating portions I20, which in -.turn are connected to the individual conducting segments Illa to 10. The individual brushes 1| adapted. at'certain times to engage the conducting bar I2 are shown to be connected to a potentiometer arrangement I2I so that upon engagement of the individual brushes with the conducting bar I2 different electrical magnitudes,

. such as current values, are adapted to be impressed upon the transmission channel or medium indicated by the reference character L. Let

it be assumed that the lowest value of current is impressed upon thelinebythebrush disposedfarthest to the right as viewed in Fig. 1 and engaging the conducting portion 12d of the conducting conducting portion 12a of the conducting bar 12, which is connected to the second conducting segment I Nb of the commutator I I9, areadapted when engaging the contacting bar to impress different and still greater current values upon the transmission medium L, the purpose of which will be understood as the receiving circuit arrangement is described.

Now let it be assumed that the perforations in the first column of the card when presented to the sensing position are disposed so as to represent the character N. By referring to Fig. 1, it is seen that the code for the character N comprises a perforation in the X index point positionand the 5 index point position. Also assume that the distributor arm.l I5 has just been released due to energization of magnet I01 so as to engage the first conducting segment Illa of the commutator II9. It is now seen that a circuit is established from conductor IOI through the potentiometer I2I, the last brush II, the associated conducting portion 12d of the conducting bar 12, conductor I25, to the first segment II'Ia of the commutator H9, brushes H6, common conducting segment II8, conductor I26, to a suitable impulse transmitter generally designated I21 and the conductor I28 which is connected to the conductor I03 through the normally closed contacts 60 and I05, thus impressing a signal 1 mission medium is a metallic conductor, the differentiating characteristics of the impulses may be in the different current values of the impulses impressed upon the line. If well known types of electronic impulse transmitters are employed, the difierentiating characteristics of the impulses impressed upon the medium L may be one of signal amplitude. The first signal of each combination of impulses representing a character will be referred to herein as asystem conditioning impulse. This impulse is always initiated through the first conducting segment II1a of the commutator and is always of the same current value or electrical magnitude. The differentiating characteristics of the impulses, such as the different current values referred to, will be referred to from time to time as signals or signal impulses of different or having varying electrical magnitudes. It will be understood that the different current values or current strengths or its equivalents are referred to whenever this expression is used. Upon advancement of the rotary brush arm II5, the brushes are adapted to engage the second conducting segment Illb of the commutator to impress a signal or im; ent magnitude is impressed upon the transmission medium L due to the following circuit now established: from conductor IOI, potentiometer Hi, the X brush II, conductor I29, conducting segment II'lb, brushes lIIi, common conducting segment II8, conductor I26, signal transmitter I21, conductor I20 which in turn is connected to the other terminal of the supply source by the conductor I03 through the imrmally closed contacts 66 and I05. A third impulse of still different magnitude is impressed upon the transmission medium L as the brushes IIB are advanced to engage the third conducting segment 1c of the commutator. By means of the described ptentiometer circuit an impulse of a predtermined magnitude is initiated through the brush II sensing the perforation at the index point position and engaging the conducting portion 12c of conducting bar I2 which is connected to the third conducting segment Illc by conductor I36 and thus impressed upon the transmission medium.

It is to be noted that the conductor I36 also is connected to a coil of relay Hi, the other terminal of which is connected by conductor I32 to one side of the terminal of the supply source by means of conductor "II. This circuit is energized whenever any of the brushes II sense a perforation in the one to nine index point positions. Energization of the relay I3l causes the contacts I34 to be closed and the contacts I33 to be opened. This arrangement is provided so that, in the event that a perforation occurs in the zero index point position in combination with any of the one to nine index point positions, the impulse initiated by the zero brush II is transmitted by means of the second conducting segment I I'll) of the commutator. However, in the event that the zero digit is represented by a perforation in the card as a single perforation, it will then be necessary to transmit the impulse initiated by the zero brush by the third conducting segment 1c of the commutator, and at such times, of course, it is obvious that perforations will not occur in the one to nine index point positions, thus rendering the relay I3I inoperative so as to permit the contacts I33 to be closed and connect the conducting portion 12b of the bar I2 which is engaged by the zero brush II to the third conducting segment II'Ic of the commutator.

In this manner the character impulses of varying magnitudes are initiated and impressed upon the transmission medium L. After initiation of the said impulses, the brushes I I6 are ad-' vanced to engage the segments I35 and I36 to establish a circuit as follows: from conductor IM to segment I36, brushes H6, segment I35, conductor I3! to the coil of the escapement control magnet 50, contacts I9 to conductor I03, energizing the said magnet 50 efiecting escapement of the carriage to position the next column of character perforations to the sensing brushes, whereupon the character signals will be initiated and impressed upon the transmission medium in a manner as just described.

The character signals comprising impulses of varying electrical magnitudes are initiated and impressed successively upon the transmission medium for each of the columns on the card having character data disposed therein in the form of perforations. Upon sensing and transmitting the character signals of the data disposed in the last column of the card, the contacts 62 to 64 are operated by the card carriage to open the brush magnet 11 circuit and the holding circuit for the control clutch magnet I01. Closure of contact 63 causes the ejecting control magnet 92 to be energized, thus ejecting the sensed card and causing the feed clutch magnet 40 to be energized duringthis operation and also causing a new card to be introduced at the sensing unit and positioned so that its first column is disposed at the sensing station. When the said card is thus positioned, the first column contacts 68 are closed to again energize the control magnet IIlI to release the rotary brush arm I I5 and by means of the contacts 46 now closed thebrush magnet I1 is energized to position the brushes II so as to engage the conducting bars I2 whenever a perforation occurs in the said column of the card. In this manner character signals are initiated corresponding to the data sensed in the control cards successively presented to the sensing position.

It was mentioned that for each character signal initiated and impressed upon the transmission medium L that a conditioning impulse always precedes the character impulses and that the said conditioning impulses are initiated by the brush II constantly engaging the conducting portion 12d of the conducting bar which in turn is connected to the first segment 1a of the commutator. This conditioning impulse is the impulse having the lowest electrical magnitude of the different groups of impulses initiated. Let it be assumedthat the electrical magnitude of this impulse is equal to one unit and the electrical magnitude of the impulse initiated by the brush II adapted to sense the perforations at the nine index point position is equivalent to two units, the next brush to the left thereof at the eight index point position initiates an impulse of electrical magnitude of three units, etc. In this manner it is seen that the brush sensing the zero index point position initiates a signal of electrical magnitude equal to eleven units, the X brush twelve units and the R brush thirteen units. The purpose of this arrangement will become obvious during the description of the receiving circuit arrangement which will now be described.

Impulse receiving system Referring now to Fig. 10, the impulse receiving circuit arrangement is shown to embody a plurality of electron discharge devices TI to T-I3, the control grids of which are all connected to a common circuit associated with any suitable known type impulse receiver generally designated I40. The said discharge devices are of the well-known thyratron type of tubes, the characteristics of which are such that the tubes remain non-conductive until the grid circuits are so conditioned as to overcome the normal bias impressed thereupon to permit the tubes to become conductive. Irrespective of the conditions impressed upon the control grids, once the tubes are rendered conductive the said control grids efiect no further control over the operation of the tubes. In the instant application the anode circuits of the tubes are opened to render the tubes non-conductive at predetermined timed intervals during the operation of the receiving system. The grid biases of the tubes T---I to T-I3 are so arranged that upon reception of a signal of electrical magnitude of one unit, the tube TI is rendered conductive, that is, the normal grid bias impressed upon the tube is overcome when a signal of this magniture is impressed upon the grid circuit of this tube. Tube T--2 is similarly arranged so that the effects ofthe grid bias are adapted to be overcomerby a signal of electrical magnitude of two units. Similarly, tube T-3' is rendered conductive by signals of a magnitude of three units, etc. It is to be noted that in the case of the tube T--IA, the grid bias of this tube is of such value as not to beovercome by a signal of the first magnitude but is adapted to be rendered conductive by any signal greater than the first magnitude, the purposes of which will be explained later herein. Regarding the tube TI IA, the grid bias on this tube is of such value that tiated by the X brush Sensing a perforation'in' signal impulses of the eleventh magnitude are effective to operate this tube as well as the tube Tll. The reason for this will be understood presently.

Now to continue with the example chosen in connection with the impulse transmitting system, assume that the first impulse which, as mentioned hereinabove, was designated as the system conditioning impulse is received by the transmission medium L and impressed upon the impulse receiver IEO. This impulse is impressed upon the common conductor I4I connected to .the grid circuits of the tubes TI to TIB to overcome the conditioning of the grid bias of the tube TI, thus rendering the said tube conductive. It is understood that the remaining tubes remain unaffected and thus continue to be non-conductive. The following circuit is established upon operation of the tube TI from one terminal of the battery I42, the cathode and anode of tube TI to the coil of relay I43, normally closed contacts I44 of relay I45, conductor I46, through the normally-closed contacts I41 to the other terminal of the said battery, thus energizing the relay I43, opening thecontacts I48 and closing contacts I49 and I50. Through the contacts I50 a circuit is established from one side of the battery I42. therethrough to the coils of relays I5I and I52, through the contacts I41 to the other side of the said bat-' tery, energizing the said relays. Howev'er, the relays I5Il52 are so adjusted and timed as not to be sufliciently energized so as to be effec- -tive to operate the associated contacts until shortly after the receipt'of the second impulse, the reason for this being that it isnecessary according to the present organization of the receiving system to maintain the output circuits of the non-conductive tubes T-2 to TII open until the timed interval for the reception of the third impulse. The said output circuits of tubes T-2 to T--II are shown connected to contacts I55, so that as' long as the said contacts are open, tubes T- -2 to'T-I Iv cannot be affected ir-' respective of the magnitude of the signals impressed upon the impulse receiver. Opening of contacts I44 of relay I45 prevents operation of tube TIA upon reception of any of the following impulses, since relay I43 and tube TI remain operated until contactsl41 are opened.

Now assume that the second impulse is received which, as mentioned'hereinabove, is. inithe X index point position, and, as mentioned hereinabove, this impulse is of the twelfth ma gficient to overcome the-effects of the grid bias .are maintained energized "until the normally on both of these tubes, establishing a circuit from one side of the battery I42 and by means-of conductor I51 throughthe cathodes and anodes of said tubes to the coils of solenoids SI, S-2

to' conductor I58 to contacts I49 and. I41 to-the other side of said battery, thus energizing the said solenoids. The said circuits justdescribed closed contacts I41 are opened, which'is effected mechanically after printing has been eifected; The operation effected by the said solenoids will be explained when the recording device is described later herein. Since contacts I55 are open,

tubes T2 to TII are notaflfected by the said second impulse.

Immediately after reception of the said second impulse and energizationof solenoids S-I and ciently to close the contacts I53, I54 and IE5, re- I spectively. Now 'upon receipt of the third impulse which is of the fifth magnitude, tubes TZ to T5 are rendered conductive to energize the associated relays R-2 to R-5 by means of the following circuits: from the battery I42 to the conductor I51, cathodes and anodes of tubes T2 to T5, coils of relays R-2 to R-5, contacts R-2b to R-5b, common conductor I'II, contacts I55, to the said battery, energizing the said relays. The R--2a to Na and R-Zb to IIb contacts are of the make before break type as shown; therefore, upon energization of the R-2 to RI I relays the anode circuits in which the coils of the said relays are included are transferred from the said I) contactsv to the a contacts without breaking the anode circuits. Thus, it is seen upon energization of relays R2 to R-5 the tubes T2 to T--5 still remain conductive to continueto energize the coils of the relays through the following circuits: from battery I42, conductor I51, cathodes and anodes of tubes T-2 to T--5, coils of relays R-2 to R5, contacts R2a to R5a, conductor I12, contacts I54 to the battery I42, thus maintaining relays R-Z to R-5 energized.

It should be mentioned here thatolosure of contacts I53 establishes a circuit therethrough to energize the coil of relay I53a, which is of the slow to energize type, and is adaptedto be eflective to close the contacts I531),- for purposes to be tion, and operation of one ofthe solenoids of the group IIiI to I10.

' set forth later, immediately after the energizathe control solenoid associated with the relay-ofthe highest order energized in the group, namely, for the example chosen relayR 5, is. the only solenoid energized for controlpurposes. For this reason since relay R,5' is the highest. order relay energized, the corresponding solenoid I64 is energized by means of the followin'g circuit: from battery 142 to conductor I13, through the -nor-, mally closed front contacts R'lIdto"R 16djto the battery-I42, energizing said .jsolenoid. It is seen, since the normally closedor front contacts. R,5d areopened, that acircult.cannot beicom-= pleted to the solenoids I6I to I63 which are asso ciated with relays of the'lower order; namely,

-l t-2 to Rf-4. In this manner; whenever the third impulse is received to trigger of! a plurality' of tubes -T2-to TI I, energizing ajpluralityof the corresponding relays R-2 to-R'I0, the sole-- noid of the group Mil-I10 corresponding tothe highest order relay of the group. R2 'to. R,"I0

energized is the only solenoid which -is energized.= It has now been described howltheprintlng con-' trol solenoids are selected and maintained 'en-j ergi'zed, and in" accordance withf-the example" chosen for the character "N," ithas been shown that solenoids S-I to 5-2 and, I 64 areselected proper character selection is effected in the re-.-

cording device, and that upon completion of the 50 the now closed contacts R 5c to. the coil .ofsolenoid I64 tothecommon conductor I14,-.'to'

character selection contacts I80 are mechanically operated by the recorder (this operation will be explained in conjunction with the description of the recording unit).

Closure of contacts I80 establishes a circuit from the battery I42 via contacts I53b, now closed, contacts I88 and coils of the solenoids I8I and I82 to the battery, energizing the said sole noids to effect recording of the selected character and advancement of the record strip.

Contacts I41 areiadapted to be operated mechanically upon energization of solenoid I8I to open the circuit for relay I43 thus causing contacts I49 and I58 to be opened. The tube TI is now rendered non-conductive upon breaking the associated anode circuit, thus conditioning the tube for further operation upon reception of later conditioning signals.

Opening of contacts I49 renders the tubes T-IIA and T-I2 non-conductive thus deenergizing the solenoids S-I and 8-2. Opening of contacts I58 causes relays I5I and I52 to be deenergized; however, relay I5I is adjusted to release at a slower rate than relay I52, thus contacts I55 are adapted to be opened and contacts I56 closed before contacts I53 and I54 of relay I5I are opened. The purpose for this arrangement is to provide a closed circuit for the anode circuits of tubes T-2 to T5 until the contacts I56 are closed which shunt the contacts I54, thus maintaining the said tubes conductive to energize the relays R-2 to R-5 and maintain the selected solenoid I64 energized, even though contacts I 54 are opened, until relay I52 is energized by a later signal impulse.

Opening of contacts I53 causes the relay I53a to be deenergized opening the associated contacts I53b thus causing the print and tape feed control solenoids I8I and I 82 to be deenergized.

It was mentioned that relay I52 is energized sufficiently after the receipt of the second impulse to operate the contacts I55 and I56. At this time the operated tubes T--2 to T5 are rendered non-conductive due to opening the anode circuits thereof thus deenergizing the relays R-Z to R5 and returning this portion of the receiving circuit to normal for further reception of the signals and selection of the relays R2 to R-II and solenoids I6I to I10.

Before continuing with the description of the recording device and the control exercised by the said energized solenoids in the recorder, mention should be made of the operation which occurs in the event the first impulse of the group, namely, the system conditioning impulse is not of the proper magnitude, that is, let it be assumed that the adjustment at the transmitter was such as to initiate an impulse of a magnitude greater than the tube T l is adjusted for so that under such conditions not only will the tube TI of the receiver be rendered conductive but the tube TIA will also be rendered conductive. Contacts I44 associated with the relay I45 are adapted to be operated slightly faster than the contacts I48 of relay I43. Therefore, it is seen that relay I43 is prevented from being energized upon reception of a conditioning impulse of too great a magnitude. Instead, however, the relay I15 is energized by means of the following circuit: from battery I42 to conductor I51 to the cathode and anode of tube TIA, coils of relays I45, I15, contacts I16, I48, and I41 to said battery. Relay I15 is of the slow releasing type and tends to break down the circuit just established and described through coil of relay I45 after a timed interval equivalent to the time required for the transmission of three character impulses, thus preventing faulty operation of the receiving system. Upon proper adjustment of the transmitter and receiver, normal operation of the circuit is eifected which is in accordance with the description set forth hereinabove. The character recording device will now be described.

Character recording unit Referring now to Figs. 11-14, the character recording unit is shown to comprise a suitable type wheel 288 rotatably supported by shaft 28I which is rotated by a suitably disposed motor 202. The type wheel is adapted to be frictionally driven by the friction disks 203 which are supported by the said shaft. The type wheel 288 is provided with a suitable stop 284 which is adapted to engage any one of the stop bars 285 upon displacement of the stop bars. The said stop bars are supported by a frame generally indicated at 286 which is rotatably supported by member 201. As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the stop bars 285 are adapted to be arranged concentrically with respect to the shaft 205 in the frame 286. The ends of the individual bars 205 are adapted to extend through oblong openings 208 so as to permit movement of the individual bars 205 in both horizontal and vertical directions. Said bars 205 are shown to be pivoted at 289 in Fig. 12 to permit the stop bars to move into and out of the path of the stop 284 secured to the type wheel. In Fig. 12 the lower stop bar 205 is shown to be in a position so as to be out of the path of the stop 284, whereas the upper stop bar is shown in a position so that one end thereof extends into the path of the stop 284, thus elfecting positioning of the type wheel 288. The stop bars 285 are also arranged to be mounted on the frame 206 so that the individual bars can be partially rotated in a horizontal plane about pivots 2 I8. The extent of movement permitted for the positioning of the said bars in both the horizontal and vertical directions is controlled and determined by the oblong apertures or openings 288 referred to hereinabove. It was mentioned that the frame 206 carrying the individual stop bars 285 is rotatably supported by the member 281 and has secured thereto a forked member 2I2 which is clearly shown in Fig. 14 and which is adapted upon positioning thereof to effect partial rotation or positioning of the frame 286, thus displacing the stop bar unit with respect to the stop 204 on the type wheel. In accordance with the organization of the invention, the forked member 2I2 is adapted to be positioned by a bar 2I3 upon which there is disposed a stud 2I4 adapted to engage directly the forked member 2I2. The bar 2I3 is adapted to be positioned in one of three positions. In this manner the stop bar unit is positioned or zoned in one of three positions and in this manner is ellective to determine the positioning of the type wheel 208. The stop bars 285 are provided with extensions indicated at 2I3a which are adapted to cooperate, with the rollers 2I4 supported by the plungers 2I5 of the solenoid assembly comprising the individual solenoids I6I-I10. The solenoid assembly is suitably securedto the frame work 2I6 which may form an integral part of the frame 201 as indicated in Fig. 12. Extensions 2I3a, a detail of which is shown in Fig. 12A, are adapted to be of sufficient length so that the rollers 2I4 are in direct engagement at all times with the extensions irrespective of the positioning of the stop bar unit, that is, the roller 2I4 is adapted to engage the extensions 253a at all times, even though the stop bar unit may be in the first, second or third zoning position. It was mentioned that the zoning positions are efiected by the positioning of the forked member 292 which in turn is positioned by the bar 263. The bar 2I3 is provided with three dependent arms 2H, each arm being provided with a slot 2W. Three zoning solenoids S-I to 8-3 are provided with individual pins 220 which are adapted'to be disposed in the said slots 2! of the individual depending arms 2I'I.- The said solenoids S-I to S3 are adapted to displace the associated plungers 255 difierent distances, that is, solenoid S-I is adapted upon energization to displace the associated plunger 2I9 to the right a distance, let us say, equivalent to that shown in Fig. 12 and indicated by the designation A, whereas solenoid S2 is adapted to displace its associated plunger upon energization a distance to the right as viewed in said figure equivalent to the distance indicated at B and finally the solenoid 8-3 is adapted to displace its associated plunger a distance to the right equivalent to the distance indicated at C. In this manner it is seen that the associated bar 2I3 is adapted to be displaced diffierentially depending upon the energization of the solenoids SI to S3. It is seen that the bar 2I3 is moved farthest to the right as viewed in Fig. 11 upon energization of solenoid S3 whereas the bar 2 I 3 is moved but one-third of the distance upon energization of the solenoid S-I. In this manner positioning or zoning of the forked member 2I2 and the stop bar unit is efiected.

The operation of the recording unit described thus far should be quite obvious at this point. However, to follow through with the example chosen earlier herein, the manner of effecting character selection is briefly as follows:' Upon reception of the second impulse, it was mentioned in connection with Fig. 10 that the solenoids S-I and 5-2 were energized due to the operation of the tubes TI IA and TI2. It is now seen that upon energization of said solenoids that the bar 2I3 is adapted to be positioned two units to the right as viewed in Fig. 11 which, let us assume, is equivalent to the distance B indicated in the said figure. It is seen that the energization in this particular example of solenoid SI has no effect upon the final positioning of the bar" 2I3 which is controlled in this case by the energization of solenoid 8-2, since the stroke of the associated plunger thereof is greater than that of the plunger of solenoid S-I. Positioning of the bar 2I3 is effective to position the forked member 2I2 in a counterclockwise direction, thus displacing the frame 205 carrying the individual stop bars 205, thereby effecting a zoning operation. Upon completion 5 of the described zoning operation, the third selecting impulse is received by the system as described hereinabove to energize the relays R2 to R5, eflecting energization of the solenoid I64. Energization of the said solenoid I64 is adapted to attract the associated plunger 2I5 carrying the roller 2, thus causing the associated stop bar 205 to be partially rotated about the pivot 209, thus positioning the free end of the stop bar 205 in the path 204 of the type wheel 200. Upon engagement of the stop 204 with the stop bar 205, the selected character disposed in the type wheel 200 is held in position at the printing position until recording thereof is efiected.

It was mentioned that the invention stop bars 205 were also adapted to be rotated in a horizontal plane about the pivot 209. This is effected as follows: As the type wheel 200 comes to rest clue to the engagement of the stop 20% with the positioned stop bar 205, the momentum of the type wheel 200 is adapted to urge the displaced stop bar 205 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 13 for a short distance as determined by the rectangular aperture 208. This partial rotation of the bar 205 is adapted to effect engagement of the said bar with the disk 225 which is rotatably supported on the frame 206 as indicated in Fig. 12. The disk 225 is provided with a plurality of extension fingers 225, each of which is adapted to be directly engaged by the associated displaced stop bar 205 when the bar is urged by the type wheel stop 204. Partial rotation of the disk 225 in a clockwise direction is effective to close the suitably disposed contacts I80 by means of one of the extension fingers 226. The efiect of the closure of contacts I80 was described in detail in conjunction with Fig. 10, and. it is remembered it is the closure of these contacts that efiects energization of the printing control solenoid I8I shown in Fig. 11.

Energization of the solenoid IBI causes displacement of the associated plunger 221, thus causing the pivoted arm 228 to be partially rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 11, urging the printing hammer 229 secured to' the free end of the printing arm 228 against the record strip 230 and type wheel 200, thereby effecting recording of the selected character upon the record strip. Upon complete displacement of the printing arm 228, the extension finger 23I thereof is adapted to operate the contacts I41 which, as described hereinabove, upon operation are adapted to open the control circuit so as to cause deenergization of the relays I43, solenoids S--I and 5-2 and relays I5I and I52. The solenoid I64 is maintained energized until a further selection is made of one of the solenoids I6 III0, in this manner blocking rotation of the type wheel until the following selection has been cfiected in accordance with the character signals. The printing control magnet I8I is also deenergized as well as solenoid I82. In Fig. 11 solenoid I82 is shown suitably disposed with respect to the armature pivoted at 235, the free end of which carries the pivot pawl 236. Upon energization of the solenoid I82 the armature 235 is attracted, thus urging downwardly the pawl 236 to engage the next tooth in the ratchet 231. Energization of solenoid I82 is efiected at the same time that print solenoid I8I is energized. Upon deenergization of solenoid I82 the said armature pawl is restored to the normal position shown in Fig. 11' by spring 238, thus actuating the ratchet wheel 23'! and the feeding roll 23S fixed thereto to efiect advancement-or feeding of the record strip a suitable distance. The type wheel 200 is shown to be in constant engagement with a suitable inking roller 240 secured to a suitably disposed pivoted arm 20L Upon deenergization of any one of the character selecting solenoids of the group I5I-I'I0, the disk 225 is displaced in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 13 sufficiently by the spring blades of the contacts I80, permitting the contacts I80 to be opened. In this manner it is seen that the recording unit is conditioned to the normal condition in readiness for further printing operations inthe manner just described.

The claims of the instant application relate to the character recording mechanism per se, whereas claims regarding the signaling control system are included in the co-pending application Serial No. 222,851, filed August 3, 1938.

While there has been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a single modification, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention therefore to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A character recording mechanism comprising a type wheel having a plurality of angular printing positions, said type wheel provided with a stop element, a group of individual control bars, lesser in number than the number of printing positions, each control bar of the group being normally disposed out of the path of the type wheel stop element and arranged with respect to the type wheel so that upon selection of any one control bar the selected bar is effective to cooperate with the said stop element for controlling the selection of a printing position, means to displace simultaneously all of the control bars in the said group to different positions with respect to the type wheel for determining in part the stopping position of the type wheel, and means for selecting one of the control bars of the said displaced group and positioning the selected bar in the path of the stop element of the type wheel for stopping the type wheel in one of the said plurality of angular printing positions.

2. A character recording mechanism comprising a type wheel having a plurality of angular printing positions, said type wheel provided with a stop element, an annular group of individually pivoted control bars, each control bar of the group being normally disposed out of the path of the type wheel stop element'and arranged with respect to the type wheel so that upon selection of any one control bar the selected bar is effective to cooperate with the said stop element for controlling the selection of a printing position, means to displace simultaneously all of the control bars in the said annular group to different positions with respect to the type wheel for determining in part the stopping position of the type wheel, and means for selecting one of the control bars of the said displaced group and moving pivotally the selected bar to position it in the path of the stop element of the type wheel to stop the type wheel in one of the said plurality of angular printing positions.

3. A character recording mechanism comprising a type wheel having a plurality of angular printing positions, said type wheel provided with a stop element, an annular group of individual control bars, each control bar of the group being normally disposed out of the path of the type wheel stop element and arranged with respect to the type wheel so that upon selection of any onecontrol bar the selected bar is effective to cooperate with the said stop element for controlling the selection of a printing position, means to displace simultaneously all of the control bars in the said annular group to different positions with respect to the type wheel for determining in part the stopping position of the type wheel, means for selecting one of the control bars of the said displaced group and positioning the selected bar in the path of the stop element of the type wheel to stop the type wheel in one of the said plurality of angular printing positions, and means to retain the said selected bar in the positioned condition to maintain the type wheel in the selected printing position until the next control bar selection and positioning thereof is effected.

4. A character recirding mechanism comprising a type wheel having a plurality of angular printing positions, said type wheel provided with a stop element, an annular group of individual control bars, each control bar of the group being normally disposed out of the path of the type whee] stop element and arranged with respect to the type wheel so that upon selection of any one control bar the selected bar is eiiective to cooperate with the said stop element for controlling the selection of a printing position, means to displace simultaneously all of the control bars in the said annular group to difierent positions with respect to the type wheel for determining in part the stopping position of the type wheel, electromagnetic means for selecting one of the control bars of the said displaced group and positioning the selected bar in the path of the stop element of the type wheel to stop the type wheel in one of the said plurality of angular printing positions, and circuit means to maintain the said electromagnetic means energized to retain the said selected bar in the positioned condition and maintain the type wheel in the selected printing position until the next control bar is selected and positioned 5. A character recording mechanism comprising a type wheel having a plurality of angular printing positions, said type wheel provided with a stop element, an annular group of individual control bars, each control bar of the group being normally disposed out of the path of the type wheel stop element and arranged with respect to the type wheel so that upon selection of any one control bar the selected bar is effective to cooperate with the said stop element for controlling the selection of a printing position, means to displace simultaneously all of the control bars in the said annular group to different positions with respect to the type wheel for determining in part the stopping position of the type wheel, a plurality of control solenoids, one for each control bar in the said annular group and each solenoid provided with means for positioning the associated control bar in the path'of the type wheel stop element upon energization thereof, thereby stopping. the type wheel in one of the said plurality of angular printing positions, and means for selecting and energizing one of the control solenoids for eifecting the stopping of the type wheel in a selected printin position.

6. The invention set forth in claim in which means are provided for maintaining the selected solenoid energized until a subsequent solenoid selection is effected thereby maintaining the type wheel in the selected printing position until a later printing selection is made.

7. A character recording mechanism comprising a type wheel having a plurality of angular printing positions, said type wheel provided with a stop element, a group of individual control bars, lesser in number than the number of printing positions, each control bar of the group being normally disposed out of the path of the type wheel stop element and arranged with respect to the type wheel so that upon selection of any one control bar the selected bar is efiective to cooperate with the said stop element for controlling the selection of a printing position, means to displace simultaneousl all of the control bars in the said group to dizerent positions with respect to the type wheel for determinin in part the stopping position of the type wheel, means for selecting one of the control bars of the said displaced group and positioning the selected bar in the path of the stop element of the type wheel to stop the type wheel in one of the said plurality of angular printing positions, means for effecting printing from the type wheel, when stopped in the selected printing position, and means including the selected control bar controlled by the type wheel, when the printing position of the latter is selected, for rendering the said printing eilecting means effective.

8. A character recording mechanism comprising a type wheel having a plurality of angular printing positions, said type wheel provided with a stop element, a group of individual control bars, lesser in number than the number of printing positions, each control bar of the group being normally disposed out of the path of the type wheel stop element and arranged with respect to the type wheel so that upon selection of any one control bar the selected bar is effective to coop erate with the said stop element for controlling the selection of a printing position, means to displace simultaneously all of the control bars in the said group to different positions with respect to the type wheel for determining in part the stopping position of the type wheel, means for selecting one of the control bars of the said displaced group and positioning the selected bar in the path of the stop element of the type wheel to stop the type wheel in one of the said plurality of angular printing positions, means for effecting printing from the type wheel, when stopped in the selected printing position, including a printing control solenoid, and means including the selected control bar controlled by the type wheel upon the stopping thereof in the selected printing position to effect energization of the said printing control solenoid thereby effecting printing from the type wheel.

9. A character recording mechanism comprising a type wheel having a plurality of angular a stop element, a group of individual control printing positions, said type wheel provided with bars, lesser in number than the number of printing positions, each control bar of the group be-- ing normally disposed out of the path of the type wheel stop element and arranged with respect to the type wheel so that upon selection of any one control bar the selected bar is effective to cooperate with the said stop element for controlling the selection of a printing position, means to displace simultaneously all of the control bars in the said group to diflerent positions with respect to the type wheel for determining in part the stopping position of the type wheel, means for selecting one of the control bars of the said displaced group and positioning the selected bar in the path of the stop element of the type wheel to stop the type wheel in one of the said plurality of angular printing positions, said stop element of the type wheel, upon the stopping of the said wheel in the selected position, being effective due to the engagement thereof with the selected control bar to alter the position of the latter, and means controlled by the said selected control bar, upon altering its position, for effecting printing from the type wheel stopped in the selected printing position.

10. A character recording mechanism comprising a type wheel having a plurality of angular printing positions, said type wheel provided with a stop element, a group of individual control bars, lesser in number than the number of printin positions, each control bar of the group being normally disposed out of the path of the type wheel stop element and arranged with respect to the type wheel so that upon selection of any one control bar the selected bar is effective to cooperate with the said stop element for controlling the selection of a printing position, means to displace simultaneously all of the control bars in the said group to difierent positions with respect to the type wheel for determining in part the stopping position of the type wheel, means for selecting one of the control bars of the said displaced group and positioning the selected bar in the path of the stop element of the type wheel to stop the type wheel in one of the said plurality of angular printing positions, and means controlled by any one of the selected bars upon stopping of the type wheel in the selected printing position for effecting printing from the typewheel stopped in the selected printing position.

11. A character recording mechanism comprising a type wheel having a plurality of angular printing positions, said type wheel provided with a stop element, a group of individual control bars, lesser in number than the number of printing positions, each control bar of the group being normally disposed out of the path of the type wheel stop element and arranged with respect to the type wheel so that upon selection of any one control bar the selected bar is effective to cooperate with the said stop element for controlling the selection of a printing position, means to displace simultaneously all of the control bars in the said group to difierent positions with respect to the type wheel for determining in part the stopping position of the type wheel, means for selecting one of the control bars of the said displaced group and positioning the selected bar in the path of the stop element of the type wheel to stop the type wheel in one of the said plurality of angular printing positions, solenoid control means for controlling the printing operations, and common contact means controlled by any one of the selected bars for controlling the energization of the said solenoid means upon stopping of the type wheel in the selected printing position for effecting printing therefrom.

TORKEL E. TORKELSON. 

